Einstellungen und Akzeptanz von Kinderwunsch- und Risikopatienten zur Präimplantationsdiagnostik, dem Embryonenscreening und der präkonzeptionellen Geschlechtswahl

Abstract

The literature describing the views of potential users of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is small. Overall, the vast majority of previous studies found that PGD and embryo screening are a highly acceptable technology for both consumer groups - couples at high risk and infertile couples. Aim of this paper is to give an overview of studies on acceptability, attitudes, concerns and expectations towards PGD, embryo selection and preimplantation diagnosis for social sexing. After a bibliometrical research in Medline, Pubmed and Psyndex and specialist German journals 12 studies were analysed which were published between 1990 and 2003. The analysis showed that the majority of patients expressed an overwhelmingly positive attitude towards PGD and expressed few concerns about the extension of the technology to testing for non-disease states such as sex. But for both user groups there were different factors which had a significant impact on the choice of PGD as a prospective reproductive option: reproductive history, especially the duration of infertility, is the main factor for infertile couples which determines the choice of PGD, whereas for couples at high risk previous experiences with PGD and having an affected child have most impact on the choice of PGD as a future reproductive treatment. However, despite its benefits PGD and embryo screening are associated with many ethical issues including concerns about the ethics of embryo manipulation and, especially, the issue of eugenics. The analysis shows that there is little demand for sex selection services in Western societies.